Erma Jo Jacobs

In the Beginning Erma Jo McPhail was born on July 9th 1933 in Wade, North Carolina. She married James R. Jacobs in 1950. They migrated to the City of Chester, PA and afterward moved to Twin Oaks Farm, PA where James and Erma raised 5 children, four born in NC and one in PA.

Employed. Erma worked in many different fields of employment. As a little girl she picked cotton and was said to "hate every minute".In fact, she proclaimed herself as "chee worst picker in the field". Erma had a special gift for helping people. She worked as an LPN at several hospitals, Crozer, Sacred Heart, Riddle and Delaware County Memorial. Did many Private Duty cases in Swarthmore, Media and Middletown, PA. Was employed by Scott Paper Co in Chester, PA. Then for decades, she ran the Intake Department at the Chester Welfare Offices as a Supervisor in 3 different locations. Retired, then became a Case Manager in Human Services at Impact Systems and Elwyn.

Educated. Erma graduated from Armstrong High School in Eastover, NC. Trained to be an LPN at Chester High School and Sacred Heart Hospital. Erma attended and graduated from several colleges achieving certifications such as Phlebotomy at Neueman College, Travel Agent from Delaware County Community College, and Drug and Alcohol from Vilanova. She completed studies in Human Services at Lincoln University where she earned her Masters.

Entrepreneur and Accomplishments. Erma was known by many and served as a pillar in her Community, Erma owned her own Travel Agency called Irma's Travel. and a clothing store on Avenue of the States with a salon in the rear called Irma's Fashions, both in downtown Chester, PA. Erma also owned a list of houses and business spaces she rented out to the locals. She was a Lifetime Member of the NAACP. Erma was known as a Cruise Expert in the travel industry and ran a Travel Agency in 3 different locations. Sometimes cruising every other month with family and friends, Erma took many people on their first cruise ever. She was the host and agent for many organizations and Church groups that traveled under her agency.

Predeceased by Her Husband of 63 years James R Jacobs, daughter Maggie Jacobs-Johnson, Mother Virginia Strickland and Father Fred Dixon, Sister Geraldine Allen, Brother Theodore Strickland, Maggie and Lee McAllister her Aunt and Uncle who raised her.

Erma leaves to cherish her loving memory a Son James R Jacobs, Daughters Barbara Stephens, Betty Laws, Angela Jacobs-Robinson, Son-in-Law Mark Robinson, a Brother Arnold Dixon, 2 Sisters Linda Dixon and Carla Dixon. 11 Grandchildren, 23 Great Grandchildren, 3 Great Great Grandchildren, and a host of relatives Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and friends.

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